Module 51. Dissociative, Personality, + Eating Disorders
Retrieval Practice
RP-1 The psychodynamic and learning perspectives agree that dissociative identity disorder
symptoms are ways of dealing with anxiety. How do their explanations differ?
○ The psychodynamic explanation of DID symptoms is that they are defenses
against anxiety generated by unacceptable urges. The learning perspective
attempts to explain these symptoms as behaviors that have been reinforced by
relieving anxiety.
RP-2 How do biological and psychological factors contribute to antisocial personality
disorder?
○ Twin and adoption studies show that biological relatives of people with
antisocial personality disorder are at increased risk for antisocial behavior.
Researchers have also observed differences in the brain activity and structure
of antisocial criminals. Negative environmental factors, such as poverty or
childhood abuse, may channel genetic traits such as fearlessness in more
dangerous directions—toward aggression and away from social responsibility.
RP-3 People with anorexia nervosa continue to want to lose weight even when they are
underweight. Those with bulimia nervosa tend to have a weight that fluctuates within or
above normal ranges.
Master the Material
1. Dissociative identity disorder is controversial because
a. dissociation is quite rare.
2. A personality disorder, such as antisocial personality, is characterized by
a. inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning.
3. PET scans of murderers’ brains have revealed
a. more frontal lobe tissue than normal.
4. Which of the following statements is true of bulimia nervosa?
a. Bulimia is marked by weight fluctuations within or above normal ranges.
Module 53. Introduction to Therapy + Psychological Therapy
Retrieval Practice
RP-1 In psychoanalysis, when patients experience strong feelings for their therapist, this is
called transference. Patients are said to demonstrate anxiety when they put up mental
blocks around sensitive memories, indicating resistance. The therapist will attempt to
provide insight into the underlying anxiety by offering a(n) interpretation of the mental
blocks.
RP-2 What might a psychodynamic therapist say about Mowrer’s therapy for bed-wetting?
How might a behavior therapist defend it?
○ A psychodynamic therapist might be more interested in helping the child
develop insight about the underlying problems that have caused the bed-
wetting response. A behavior therapist would be more likely to agree with
Mowrer that the bed-wetting symptom is the problem, and that
Retrieval Practice
RP-1 The psychodynamic and learning perspectives agree that dissociative identity disorder
symptoms are ways of dealing with anxiety. How do their explanations differ?
○ The psychodynamic explanation of DID symptoms is that they are defenses
against anxiety generated by unacceptable urges. The learning perspective
attempts to explain these symptoms as behaviors that have been reinforced by
relieving anxiety.
RP-2 How do biological and psychological factors contribute to antisocial personality
disorder?
○ Twin and adoption studies show that biological relatives of people with
antisocial personality disorder are at increased risk for antisocial behavior.
Researchers have also observed differences in the brain activity and structure
of antisocial criminals. Negative environmental factors, such as poverty or
childhood abuse, may channel genetic traits such as fearlessness in more
dangerous directions—toward aggression and away from social responsibility.
RP-3 People with anorexia nervosa continue to want to lose weight even when they are
underweight. Those with bulimia nervosa tend to have a weight that fluctuates within or
above normal ranges.
Master the Material
1. Dissociative identity disorder is controversial because
a. dissociation is quite rare.
2. A personality disorder, such as antisocial personality, is characterized by
a. inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning.
3. PET scans of murderers’ brains have revealed
a. more frontal lobe tissue than normal.
4. Which of the following statements is true of bulimia nervosa?
a. Bulimia is marked by weight fluctuations within or above normal ranges.
Module 53. Introduction to Therapy + Psychological Therapy
Retrieval Practice
RP-1 In psychoanalysis, when patients experience strong feelings for their therapist, this is
called transference. Patients are said to demonstrate anxiety when they put up mental
blocks around sensitive memories, indicating resistance. The therapist will attempt to
provide insight into the underlying anxiety by offering a(n) interpretation of the mental
blocks.
RP-2 What might a psychodynamic therapist say about Mowrer’s therapy for bed-wetting?
How might a behavior therapist defend it?
○ A psychodynamic therapist might be more interested in helping the child
develop insight about the underlying problems that have caused the bed-
wetting response. A behavior therapist would be more likely to agree with
Mowrer that the bed-wetting symptom is the problem, and that
